Northern Ireland’s Stephen Robinson linked to Bournemouth job

The 45-year-old Northern Ireland-born former Cherries midfielder is on the club’s list to replace Eddie Howe, the PA news agency understands.

Bournemouth, who were relegated from the Premier League last week, are aiming for a swift appointment with next season’s Sky Bet Championship campaign starting on September 12.

Current caretaker Jason Tindall is also in the running with the club seriously considering an internal appointment.

But, if they opt to look externally, Bournemouth are tempted to lure Robinson back to the club where he enjoyed a successful six-year spell as a player.

Robinson also played with several current staff members during his time at Dean Court, including Tindall and technical director Richard Hughes.

He made 288 appearances, scoring 62 goals, for Bournemouth before joining Preston in 2000.

Former Northern Ireland international Robinson has impressed on a tight budget at Fir Park and has guided Motherwell into the Europa League after finishing third last season.

He was a candidate for the Northern Ireland job earlier this season before Ian Baraclough was confirmed as Michael O’Neill’s successor in June.

The former Oldham boss has won 66 of his 146 games in charge after being appointed Mark McGhee’s replacement in March 2017. Motherwell face Ross County in their opening SPL game of the season on Monday.

The Cherries are looking for a new manager after Howe left by mutual consent on Saturday following two spells spanning more than a decade.

Bournemouth’s five-year stay in the top flight ended despite a 3-1 win at Everton on the final day of the season.

The new boss is likely to face a challenge to keep the Cherries’ star men with Aaron Ramsdale, Callum Wilson and Josh King already linked with moves away.

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